« February 2006 | Main | April 2006 »
March 23, 2006
The ; Problem
Truss, Eats, Shoots and Leaves
Truss believes that we should go retro with English grammar and bring back the semi-colon. To tjis day...I don't know what specifically semi-colons are suppose to do (other than breaking up two different ideas. But WHEN do I use it.) Truss, in this chapter doesn't make it easier either ( all I got from this chapter is that she attacked an eighth grader by using large vocabulary.) . She explained that the semi-colon is addictive.
To whom is she refering to?
I know is that I can't find any way to use the cursed semi-colon. If anyone is reading this please tell me what Truss is trying to say....Thanks.
Posted by KevinHinton at 5:01 PM | Comments (1)
March 13, 2006
U.S. Punctuation Patrol...Join Now!
Truss, Eats, Shoots & Leaves
I would like to extend this invitation to all English majors who desire a change from the mundane. Even a chance to experience life seen only by a few. Interested? Join the U.S. Punctuation Patrol today!
Face impossible odds in your job:
Proofread paper
Destroy unwanted apostrophes from our shores
Help the punctuation population from coast to coast
Travel from classroom to classroom
If this appeals to you, enlist NOW!
Sincerely,
Gen. Bart Kavanaugh
USPP Commander
O.K., that might have been a little extreme. But after reading the first part of this book, I felt this vibe...I think Truss has OCD. Yes, I understand that in punctuation and in grammar, we must set ourselves in a high standard. However, Truss she mistakes wherever she goes. I do see where she is coming from, it is sad to see the US and the UK decline in English grammatical and spelling skills. I have to admit that I was annoyed to see this phrase:
"for CD's, VIDEO's, DVD's, and BOOK's"
Where is the Punctuation Patrol when you need it? In fact, they're no where to be found. The website that I had found encourage me to start the USPP(Want to go? Click here.)! I know this will make Truss proud.
Maybe we need to stress grammar early in our academic careers? Because you can't teach an old dog new tricks. So, if you're like me, and scared to make a grammatical mistake on this particular blog...that only means that this book is helpful.
Posted by KevinHinton at 6:58 PM | Comments (6)
March 12, 2006
To Grab Someone Page By Page
Intro to Lit Study--EL150
Just Another Thought: Not All Couples Hate Each Other To Death
I hope everyone had a nice week from the "abyss" known as Seton Hill University. When I was in Richmond, during a relaxation and self-enlightenment phase I had a swarm of story ideas. I owe it thanks to the creative writing section of the class. Cruel Valentine (A polished version is now on my blog) was a precursor to all of my ideas that I had during the break. I don't want to give myself a big head, but when I showed everyone the final draft of my story...they like it. My roomate had put it on his own blog and my mother had told me: "not bad for an amateur".
The couple that I had in this story was indeed aware of the plight that the relationship had turned. My inspiration I think for this story had to be the conversation that I had last semester with a group a friends. With a loud voice she asked me if I believe in a soulmate. I told her I did not...everyone who is thinks that they are meant for each other is actually further from the truth. 50% divorce rate in this country can testify to that. So, I wanted to take this form of soulmates and completely sour the whole situation. Terrible, huh?
Cruel Valentine had helped me with some more story ideas. I'm planning on putting together an collection of stories called Quarter Past Midnight. I don't know how many stories I will have in the anthology but Cruel Valentine will be the first.
Posted by KevinHinton at 10:21 PM | Comments (0)
March 7, 2006
Gone Fishin'
Bowers, "The Luck Of Caesar"
When I was reading this article, the gears in my head started to turn (pause for laughter). This article was basically talking about romantic indentification and rejection. Antony was obviously wooed by Cleopatra and was willing to do everything for her. Bower even pointed out that she described catching Antony like catching a fish.
Cleopatra made it obvious that she could care less about which man goes to bed with her...at least in before she met Antony. I think that she needed Antony just as much as he needed her. Even though we see at the end of the play, Cleopatra seduces Caesar, she does NOT really mean it. She now (after he dead) loves Antony and willing to die for him. I think Antony's fear was that he was afraid of Cleopatra rejection. When the Egyptian navy fled from the Roman navy, he thought Cleopatra's "betrayal"as a form of rejection.
Bowers explain how Caesar was on Antony side for most of the play. That was because of his loyalty to Rome (not to Caesar, but to Rome). The luck of Caesar to me is that he knew about this "love/hate" reltionship that they had and took over. That is why all is not fair in love and war.
Posted by KevinHinton at 7:56 PM | Comments (2)